We are delighted to share the publication of the article titled “Low-Cost Techniques for Soil Erosion Monitoring on Mountain Trails,” an important contribution stemming from the HUMANITA project. This research, conducted by a team from the University of Parma, was presented at the 8th International ISPRS Workshop LowCost 3D – Sensors, Algorithms, Applications, which took place in Brescia, Italy, on December 12–13, 2024. The study focuses on the development and application of innovative, cost-efficient methods to track and analyze soil erosion in mountainous regions—an issue of growing concern for the maintenance and preservation of hiking trails, particularly in protected natural areas.
The study explores several fundamental challenges associated with soil erosion monitoring in mountainous environments. These include the difficulty of accessing remote areas, the necessity of using lightweight and portable equipment, the requirement for capturing highly detailed data in complex terrains, and the importance of ensuring consistency in repeated surveys over time. To overcome these difficulties, the research team conducted field experiments across six pilot sites in Italy and Central Europe, testing a range of low-cost monitoring techniques in three distinct scenarios:
1. Small-Scale Analysis: High-precision Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and close-range photogrammetry were employed to detect fine-scale changes in soil displacement and surface degradation in small study areas, capturing minute variations in terrain morphology with remarkable accuracy.
2. Trail-Level Monitoring: Spherical photogrammetry and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were used to survey narrow, forested trails. This approach provided high-resolution imagery and spatial data in densely vegetated environments, where conventional mapping techniques often struggle to deliver reliable results.
3. Landscape-Wide Assessments: UAV-based photogrammetry was applied to monitor broader areas, enabling efficient and cost-effective surveying of extensive open landscapes. This methodology proved particularly useful for detecting larger erosion patterns and assessing the long-term impacts of environmental factors and human activity.
The findings of this research provide essential insights into the strengths, limitations, and cost-effectiveness of these techniques. The results serve as a valuable resource for land managers, conservationists, and policymakers, offering practical guidelines for addressing soil erosion in a sustainable and economically viable manner. By leveraging these low-cost technologies, protected areas can implement more effective trail conservation strategies, ultimately reducing human impact on fragile ecosystems while promoting responsible outdoor recreation.
The full article is available at the following link: https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-2-W8-2024-53-2024